Freo purple patch as finals fever fires up - The West Australian

Fremantle's cappuccino strip turned purple yesterday as Dockers fans began what they hope will be a month of celebrations.

The City of Fremantle painted the median strip along South Terrace to celebrate the finals and encouraged local businesses to compete for $1000 cash by dressing up their shop windows in the Dockers' colours.

Mayor Brad Pettitt said though it was early days, there was already a buzz around town.

"The fact they could be in the grand final two years in a row is exciting, so we're getting in early and painting Freo purple," he said.

About 48,000 tickets to Fremantle's qualifying final against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday were still available last night after going on sale yesterday morning.

Flights to Sydney from Perth start from $616 return, departing Friday night and returning on Sunday. Flights to Melbourne for the AFL grand final weekend start from $807.

The AFL announced Welsh legend Tom Jones, British chart-topper Ed Sheeran and Australia's Olivia Newton-John will perform at the grand final.

Sheeran said it was an easy decision to agree to perform at the MCG.

"Having spent some time in Australia recently I know just how popular the game is and how big an event this will be," he said.

The AFL has moved the traditional half-time show to before bouncedown to allow extra time, and Newton-John will sing the national anthem.

North Melbourne great Glenn Archer will present the Norm Smith Medal for the grand final's best player.